Nico Hulkenberg may be on his way out of Haas, but he’s confident the American team is poised for a serious Formula 1 resurgence in the coming seasons. With some “exciting stuff in the pipeline,” the German driver predicts Haas will emerge as a major competitor on the grid, even after he’s swapped sides to Sauber in 2025.
Hulkenberg, who announced his departure in April for a multi-year contract with Sauber (soon to become Audi’s F1 team), remains focused on pushing Haas to close out the season on a high. Currently, the team is battling to seize sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, trailing Red Bull’s sister team by just three points.
For a team that has spent recent years fighting at the back, Haas’ sudden upward trajectory marks a massive improvement. The turnaround began after a leadership shakeup last winter when Ayao Komatsu replaced long-standing team boss Guenther Steiner. Under Komatsu’s guidance, Haas has secured a much more competitive spot on the grid in 2023.
Owner Gene Haas has responded to this progress by doubling down on his commitment to the team, reportedly green-lighting a major recruitment drive. The announcement of a new technical alliance with Toyota further cements Haas’ ambitions for a long-term presence at the top of the sport.
Even though Hulkenberg won’t be part of this new era, he’s excited for what the future holds for Haas. Speaking to Autosport, Hulkenberg said, “The team is set up very well now. We’ve made significant progress this year, and there’s more exciting stuff coming that will only help them become a serious competitor in the next few years.”
While the 2026 regulation overhaul presents a great unknown for all teams, Hulkenberg believes Haas is well-positioned to adapt and capitalize on the new rules. “2026 is a blank slate for everyone, and with the right preparation, Haas could stand out,” he explained. “But even before that, next year looks promising with stable regulations.”
Hulkenberg’s 2024 season has been one of his best in recent years, contributing 24 of the team’s 31 points across 18 rounds. With six races remaining, including three Sprint events, he remains optimistic that Haas can maintain its momentum.
“I think we have good momentum,” Hulkenberg said, reflecting on his ninth-place finish in Singapore. “We’re heading into my favorite part of the season, and we’ve got further upgrades coming in Austin. I’m confident we’ll score a few more points before the season’s done.”
Hulkenberg’s positive outlook reflects a broader optimism within Haas, signaling that the team could soon be trading its underdog status for a shot at Formula 1’s upper echelons. Whether they can deliver on that promise, though, remains to be seen.
